If you are considering bringing an iguana into your home, you are likely very concerned about what you can do to make sure he will be happy and comfortable in your care. Iguanas require a large degree of care, and it shows in their habitat. They grow quite long, so they need a large space to spend their time. In fact, some households will dedicate an entire room to their pet. They also need specific living conditions, so make sure you can control the light, temperature, and humidity carefully within this space. Your new pet will need a place to hide away from everything, as well as a place to bask in the light. Take the time to determine how you will provide your pet with the cool water he needs, as well the fresh produce his diet calls for. For more information, please contact your local Upper Arlington, OH veterinarian. Learn more here.

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You know your dog well, and lately she hasn’t been looking like her best self. This is likely because she has gained some weight, and isn’t as comfortable going about her daily tasks. How can you help her get back to normal?

Your pet has become overweight due to one area in her life or another, so it’s important that you figure out what this is. Food issues can be corrected with careful thought about the issue. Make sure she is eating a high quality food that is being offered in appropriate serving sizes. Keep in mind her treats as well, since these should be held to the same standards. Her exercise habits should be evaluated as well. Add in some extra playtime or an additional walk if needed. For more information, please contact your local Fort Collins, CO veterinarian. Schedule an appointment today.

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Did you know that senior pets have to make significant changes in the lifestyles as their bodies slow down and they become more prone to aches and pains?

In order to have a healthier and more comfortable life, senior pets need all the care and support from their owners as they deal with important changes in their twilight years.

One of the important lifestyle changes that a senior pet may have to deal with before he finally crosses the rainbow bridge are changes in his diet and his needs for essential nutrients.

Senior pets differ in their needs for essential nutrients, thus pet owners should make sure to get premium quality pet food especially formulated to meet the dietary needs of senior pets. You may need the help of your veterinarian when selecting the best food for ... Read more »

Spending time outdoors with your pet is a great way to enjoy warm summer days. However, pets are highly vulnerable to heat stress thus you should remember these tips to protect your pet from heatstroke.

• Dogs with short heads and small noses (brachycephalic breeds), such as pugs, bullmastiff, and bulldogs, have higher risks for developing heat-related problems. If you need to take your pet outdoors, make sure to do it during the coolest parts of the day – early in the morning and in the evening. You can also let your pet stay in an air-conditioned room or place an electric fan near him.
• Outdoor picnics are great, but if you’re bringing along your dog, make sure he can seek relief from the sun’s rays by providing a shade.
• If you have an obese, ill, or senior pet, make sure to give him special attention when the weather gets hot because these dogs are extremely heat-sensitive.

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Your family wants to add a furry member to the family, but they know that the traditional dog or cat aren’t exactly the right fit. Could a pocket pet be ideal for your household?

Pocket pets are often quite small, and stay within the confines of an enclosure unless you bring them out to interact. This makes them ideal for households that are limited on space, as well as for those that don’t like the idea of a pet roaming free throughout their home while they are away. They are also pretty quiet, making them pretty great roommates in close quarters with others. Pocket pets require daily care, but is isn’t as demanding as many other pet options. Be sure to thoroughly research any pets you plan on bringing into your home, and make sure you are able to handle caring for them properly. For more information, please contact your local Round Rock, TX veterinarian or set an appointment at this website ... Read more »

Just like dogs, cats, and even humans, engaging in regular physical activity is essential to the health and wellbeing of pet rabbits. Being cooped up all day will make them more prone to problems that may threaten their health and wellbeing. Being sedentary may also increase their risks for obesity. Without regular exercise, pet rabbits may also be more prone to developing digestive disturbances and urinary tract problems. Some may have a tendency to form bladder stones as a consequence of a weak bladder.

Rabbits should have several opportunities each day to spend some time outside of their enclosures and move around. Pet owners can also invest in a spacious enclosure that can be placed outdoors. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to protect pet rabbits against temperature extremes and potential predators.

Take your pet rabbit to your Thousand Oaks, CA vet clinic for ... Read more »

Since humans are known to gain health benefits from probiotics, many pet owners are interested to know if these preparations are good for pets.

Probiotics are actually live microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.) which are beneficial when given in appropriate amounts. In humans, probiotics is used as supplement to treat diarrhea, intestinal infections, as well as irritable bowel syndrome. In veterinary medicine, studies have shown that these microorganisms are beneficial for acute or chronic diarrhea. It also shows promise in addressing other diseases. In puppies, a study was able to demonstrate the positive effect of certain probiotics in promoting immune system function and response to vaccines. Probiotics are generally recommended for digestive problems in pet cats and dogs.

Probiotics has also been demonstrated to help restore the amount good bacteria population while keeping th ... Read more »

Have you ever seen a photo of a canine heart infested with heartworms? It is certainly a gruesome image that shows what could happen to your pet dog when the worms invade his heart.

It is important for pet owners to be aware of the risks of heartworm disease and should take precautions to protect their pets from the infection. A year round heartworm preventive program is the best way to protect dogs. While there is treatment for heartworms, it is not without risks.

Heartworm treatment is not a walk in the park for your dog. Once diagnosed, your veterinarian may recommend antibiotic medications, heartworm preventives, and steroids before the actual treatment for adult heartworms is started. The actual treatment regimen will take at least 60 days to complete. It involves administering a series of drug injections to kill the adult worms. Your Thousand Oaks, CA veterinarian can help yo ... Read more »